Children and Young People's Mental Health Task Force: preliminary view and recommendations from the Chair

This preliminary, exploratory phase has formed Dame Denise Coia's initial recommendations and will inform setting up the Task Force structure needed to take forward the work of making real improvement.

Contents

Recommendations for the Taskforce

I recommend that the Task Force puts children and young
people at the centre of a programme of work to:

1. Identify those areas where the Task Force can support
immediate changes in specialist
CAMHS
to implement the recommendations of the rejected referral report
and performance. Success will include clear referral
criteria, transparent processes for existing
CAMHS,
and meeting the needs of the children, young people and families
involved in that audit.

2. Support the development of a framework for children and
young people's mental health and mental wellbeing
services. I recommend my description of four strands and
how services can work together for good outcomes for children,
young people, their families and carers.

3. Strengthen information systems and gather good data
about how the whole system is working, and about the experience of
children and young people. Success will include defining
what data is needed, its effective and timely reporting to the Task
Force, and its use for improvement by services.

4. Develop an online platform offering support, information
discussion and champions anti stigma work around mental health
which recognises the modern experience of growing up, and optimises
the use of technology. Success will be the creation and
use of the digital platform and associated resources.

5. Support the development and expansion of a diverse
workforce in education, communities, and in primary care settings.
To increase capability we will develop a programme of training in
the
NHS, and support
similar endeavours in third sector, social work and education. That
programme will inform future workforce plans. Success will
be evidence of an competent, trained and expanded workforce
tailored to meet needs, including greater capacity for specialist
CAMHS
to support community based services.

6. Support and help deliver the work of the Scottish
Government in developing community services for mental wellbeing
for those aged 5-24 years. Success will be delivery of
services that are informed by the needs of children, young people,
their families and carers and can show they: can be accessed
quickly, are evidence based, and are where they need to be.

7. Support improvements in transparency of decision making
to fulfil the expectations and rights of children and young people
in relation to mental health and mental wellbeing
services. Success will be evidence that children and young
people know about their mental health rights, express their views
on services, and are part of a social movement.

8. Support leadership capability for children and young
people's mental health and mental wellbeing. Success will
be clear, inclusive and effective governance and
accountability.